Chapter 2
Japan's Foreign Policy by Region
6 Oceania
(1) Australia
A Brief Summary and Overview
With the region facing a variety of issues, 10 years have passed since Japan and Australia confirmed their “Special Strategic Partnership,” built upon shared fundamental values and strategic interests, and cooperation between the two countries is more important than ever. The two countries' strategic visions toward maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region are aligned in wide-ranging areas. With the close coordination between the Prime Ministers and between the Foreign Ministers serving as the basis, the two countries have been further deepening multilayered cooperation and collaboration in all areas toward the stability and prosperity of the international community. Moreover, Japan-Australia collaboration has also been steadily reinforced in multilateral formats, including the Japan-U.S.-Australia and Japan-Australia-india-U.S. frameworks.
Additionally, Japan and Australia are further developing mutually complementary economic relations through the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which marks the tenth anniversary of its effectuation, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) that entered into force in December 2018, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement that entered into force in January 2022. Australia is Japan's third-largest trading partner, and Japan is Australia's second-largest trading partner.
At the leaders' level, in September Prime Minister Kishida held a Japan-Australia Summit Meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where the two leaders had a candid exchange of views on bilateral cooperation, including security cooperation, as well as on regional and international affairs, and reaffirmed the broadly aligned strategic recognition between Japan and Australia. Prime Minister Kishida welcomed Australia's participation in the Friends of Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, and the two leaders confirmed that they would continue to work closely together to realize a world without nuclear weapons. In a Japan-Australia Summit Telephone Call in October, soon after Prime Minister Ishiba took office, the two leaders concurred that Japan and Australia would strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries such as the United States (U.S.), the ROK, and India, as well as multilateral cooperation such as Japan-Australia-India-U.S. and also shared the intention to work together on issues in the fields of resources and energy, as well as economic security. During the October Japan-Australia Summit Meeting, the two leaders had an exchange of views on the situation in East Asia, such as the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, and concurred to further strengthen consultations and cooperation between Japan and Australia in responding to such issues.
In February, Foreign Minister Kamikawa and Foreign Minister Penny Wong held a Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers' Telephone Call where the two ministers concurred to continue to work together to further strengthen the relations with the Pacific Island countries. At their July Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Foreign Minister Kamikawa stated that she would like to further enhance cooperation under the “Special Strategic Partnership” between Japan and Australia toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” In September, the two foreign ministers convened a Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers' Working Dinner, during which they had a candid exchange of views on regional and international affairs, including on strengthening ties with the Global South. In October, shortly after Foreign Minister Iwaya assumed his appointment, a Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers' Telephone Meeting was held in which the two foreign ministers concurred to cooperate across a wide range of areas, including security, and to enhance the vibrant and multilayered people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Australia, which underpin the strong bilateral relationship, including in areas such as tourism, business, and overseas education programs.
Through such frequent high-level dialogues, Japan and Australia have communicated and contributed as the core of cooperation among like-minded countries in various fields as described below.
B Cooperation in the Security Field
Australia, as a partner working alongside Japan to realize FOIP, occupies an indispensable role in Japan's security, and bilateral defense cooperation has been elevated to a new dimension. Under the Japan-Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement, which entered into force in 2023, force interoperability has been strengthened, and the two countries have reinforced their joint engagement in maintaining peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
In September, the Eleventh Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (“2+2”) were held, and Japan and Australia concurred on working unwaveringly to deepen Australia-Japan strategic and security cooperation in line with the Australia-Japan Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (JDSC),(28) issued in 2022. Japan and Australia concurred on strengthening collective deterrence, enhancing interoperability and coordinating their national security policies more closely, including in cooperation with the U.S.. Security cooperation has also expanded into emerging domains, with both countries concurring on countering disinformation, collaboration in the field of strategic communication, and strengthening cooperation in the field of economic security, including through leveraging the Australia-Japan Economic Security Dialogue. In October at the Japan-Australia Summit Meeting, the two leaders affirmed that they would improve interoperability between Japan and Australia in the field of security and strengthen their collective deterrence, based on the direction set out in the 2022 “Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation.” They also concurred to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the fields of cyber and economic security.
Eleventh Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (“2+2”) (September 5, Melbourne outskirts, Australia)
(28) Document signed at the October 2022 Japan-Australia Leaders' Meeting outlining the direction of Japan-Australia security and defense cooperation for the next 10 years.
C Economic Relations
As shown by Japan and Australia spearheading the CPTPP, which entered into force in December 2018, the two countries are working closely and demonstrating leadership in promoting the regional free trade order, as well as in building a free and fair economic order based on the rule of law. At the Japan-Australia Summit Meeting in October, the two leaders affirmed that they would further strengthen cooperation in the field of the economy, including the CPTPP.
Mainly industrial products such as automobiles are being exported from Japan to Australia, while mainly energy resources such as coal and natural gas, and agricultural products such as beef are being imported into Japan from Australia, in mutually complementary economic relations that have been developed steadily over the years. In particular, in recent years new cooperation efforts have been progressing, such as hydrogen-related efforts.
At the Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers' Meeting in July, Foreign Minister Kamikawa expressed her willingness to cooperate with Australia in addressing common challenges, including economic growth, energy security, and decarbonization through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) platform.
D Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
There exists a foundation for affinity toward Japan in Australia cultivated over many years, as shown by the fact that approximately 415,000 people in Australia learn the Japanese language (the fourth largest group in the world), and that there are over 100 sister state and sister city relations. A variety of initiatives are implemented in order to strengthen the foundation of Japan-Australia relations, including the promotion of mutual understanding through JENESYS, an exchange program to promote understanding of Japan that includes young people, and the “New Colombo Plan” as well as the Japan-Australia Political Exchange Program. Both Japan and Australia will continue to work on the appropriate and steady operation of the Japan-Australia Working Holiday Program.
E Cooperation in the International Community
In order to make an active contribution to peace and stability in the international community, the two countries have been strengthening cooperation in wide-ranging areas. In particular, cooperation has been deepened in addressing various issues facing the Indo-Pacific region, such as maritime security and nuclear and missile development by North Korea. Australia deployed the Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Hobart from early to mid-May and the destroyer HMAS Sydney from early to mid-September to undertake surveillance operations in the adjacent ocean areas around Japan. By doing so, for the 11th and 12th times since 2018, Australia has engaged in surveillance operations against illicit maritime activities, including ship-to-ship transfers(29) with North Korean flagged vessels, which are prohibited by UN Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, from early to mid-February and from early to mid-November, Australia engaged in surveillance operations for the 13th and 14th times since 2018 by aircraft, using U.S. Forces Japan's Kadena Air Base.
(29) In this context, “ship-to-ship transfers” refers to the transfers to or from North Korea-flagged vessels of any goods or items at sea, which UN Security Council resolution 2375 (adopted in September 2017) prohibits the UN member states from facilitating or engaging in.
(2) New Zealand
A Brief Summary
Japan and New Zealand share fundamental values, such as democracy and a market economy. The two countries have been maintaining good relations over the years. In recent years, under the “Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” the two countries have been strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas including the economy, security, defense cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as cooperative relations on issues facing the region and the international community. Following the results of the general election that was held in 2023, a three-party coalition government was formed between New Zealand's National Party (1st party), ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First.
B High-Level Consultations
Amidst the complicated regional situation, Japan has been closely exchanging views at the leaders' and foreign ministers' levels with New Zealand, which is located in the Asia-Pacific region and shares fundamental values with Japan. In June, Prime Minister Kishida held his first Japan-New Zealand Summit Meeting with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who was visiting Japan for the first time since assuming his office, and the two leaders concurred to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, including security and economics, to realize FOIP amid the increasingly challenging strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region. They also welcomed the agreement in principle in the negotiations of a Japan-New Zealand Information Security Agreement to enhance information sharing between the two countries. Additionally, the two leaders exchanged their views on the situation in East Asia, including China and North Korea, as well as on the situation in Russia and Ukraine, and confirmed that they would work closely together to resolve these challenges. Furthermore, the two leaders also affirmed the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the Pacific Islands region and concurred to promote cooperation based on the needs of Pacific Island countries. In July, the Japan-Australia-New Zealand-ROK Leaders' Meeting (IP4) was held, and, under the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable, the four leaders affirmed that they would deepen communication and cooperation with European countries on issues in the Indo-Pacific region. In November, Foreign Minister Iwaya held informal discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters of New Zealand, during which they shared the intention to reinforce their “Strategic Cooperation Partnership” and to deepen multilateral cooperation, including through the IP4 and the Five Eyes(30) countries.
Japan-New Zealand Summit Meeting (June 19, Tokyo; Photo: Official Website of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet)
(30) Refers to the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
C Economic Relations
The two countries enjoy complementary economic relations and have closely cooperated on the steady implementation of the CPTPP and RCEP Agreement; on the promotion of free trade structures including WTO reforms, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF); and on building a free and fair economic order based on the rule of law. In June at the Japan-New Zealand Summit Meeting, the two leaders had a candid discussion on the CPTPP from a strategic perspective and concurred on the importance of working toward the development of the agreement, and shared the intention to strengthen cooperation in economic security, including addressing economic coercion and enhancing supply chain resilience.
D Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
People-to-people exchanges between Japan and New Zealand, such as for youths, take place through exchange programs like JENESYS, and a cumulative total of more than 1,100 people had participated by 2024. By 2024, more than 3,500 people have also participated in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, which invites foreign youth (on average approximately 100 people annually), and active exchanges are continuing. Additionally, 44 sister-city relationships have been established between municipalities in the two countries.
E Cooperation in the International Community
The two countries are cooperating closely for the peace and stability of the international community in the international arena, including the UN. The two countries are playing a proactive role in regional stability and development, for example by cooperating in regional cooperation frameworks such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM), and by strengthening cooperation in the Pacific Islands region and initiatives under the IP4 framework. In support of surveillance for illicit maritime activity, New Zealand deployed the Royal New Zealand Navy sustainment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa to the waters around Japan from mid-August to mid-September for its first naval surveillance operation targeting illicit maritime activities including prohibited ship-to-ship transfers involving North Korea-flagged vessels under UN Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, from mid-April to mid-May New Zealand engaged in surveillance operations for the sixth time since 2018 by aircraft, using Kadena Air Base.
(3) Pacific Island Countries(31)
A Brief Summary and Overview
The Pacific Island countries, surrounded by the vast and beautiful ocean, are rich in marine resources and nature. This region is divided into three subregions, Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia, each with its own distinct characteristics. Many of these relatively young nations gained independence from colonial or trusteeship status following World War II, chiefly since the 1970s. At the same time, they face severe geographic and economic challenges: “insularity,” with territory scattered across small islands; “smallness,” with limited populations that preclude economies of scale; and “remoteness,” lying far from major international markets. Among these vulnerabilities, climate change poses “the single greatest existential threat” to the Pacific Island countries. In response to these shared challenges, since 1971 the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF; formerly the South Pacific Forum until 1999) has been developed as a forum for dialogue between the leaders of the Pacific Island countries and regions to advance regional cooperation across political, economic, security, and other domains.
The Pacific Island countries and Japan, bound by the Pacific Ocean, have deep historical ties, and are important partners in such areas of cooperation in the international arena, the supply of fisheries and mineral resources. They are becoming increasingly important as a cornerstone of FOIP, as they are located at the heart of the Pacific Ocean. In addition to bilateral cooperation, Japan is also promoting cooperation with the PIF. At its Leaders Meeting in 2022, the PIF announced the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” (2050 Strategy), which outlines the ideal political, economic, and other conditions and strategic measures for Pacific Island countries and regions in 2050. Japan has consistently expressed strong support for the 2050 Strategy.
As the geopolitical importance of the Pacific Island region increases, cooperation among related countries both within and outside of the region is being strengthened, most notably through the Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP) framework established in 2022. At the May 2023 Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad) Leaders' Meeting, a “Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience” was announced. Then in April 2024, during the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting, new cooperation on subsea cable systems for Tuvalu and the Federated States of Micronesia was unveiled.
(31) Pacific Island countries: Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea
B Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM)
In addition to bilateral cooperation, one of Japan's principal diplomatic initiatives with Pacific Island countries is the Pacific Islands Leaders' Meeting (PALM). Since 1997, PALM has been held every three years to deepen ties with Pacific Island countries. In July 2024, Tokyo hosted the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders' Meeting (PALM10), where participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pacific Island countries and regions. (See the Opening Special Feature on page 4.)
Prior to PALM10, in February the 5th Ministerial Interim Meeting of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting was held in Suva, Fiji, with Foreign Minister Kamikawa as co-chair. This was the first PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting held in a Pacific Island country. The meeting followed up on PALM9, which was held in 2021. PIF member countries and regions highly valued the progress where Japan steadily implemented its commitment in every priority area to promote cooperation with Pacific Island countries, and expressed their appreciation to the Government and people of Japan. A Chairs' Summary was adopted. Foreign Minister Kamikawa also took the opportunity to meet with participants from each country, working to strengthen bilateral relations.
Foreign Minister Kamikawa attending the 5th Ministerial Interim Meeting of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) (February 12, Suva, Fiji)
At PALM10 in Tokyo in July, Prime Minister Kishida and Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands served as co-chairs, expressing strong support for the 2050 Strategy and discussing regional and international developments. They reaffirmed the deep kizuna (bonds) built over time and confirmed a relationship in which they would “stride forward together” toward the future, addressing shared challenges alongside Pacific Island countries and regions. The leaders adopted the “10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) Leaders' Declaration” and the “10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) Joint Action Plan,” and Japan announced its “Pacific Climate Resilience Initiative.” Regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, Prime Minister Kishida explained that, in close coordination with the IAEA, Japan would continue to share information to build confidence, a commitment that was welcomed by Pacific Island partners. In addition, Prime Minister Kishida held 17 bilateral summit meetings with Pacific Island leaders during the summit.
C Country-Specific Developments
(A) Kiribati
In August, Kiribati held presidential and parliamentary elections. On October 25, President Taneti Maamau was re-elected, and his inauguration took place on November 1.
(B) Cook Islands
The Cook Islands served as Chair of the PIF from November 2023 to August 2024. Japan has endeavored to strengthen its relationship with the Cook Islands, including by inviting them to the 2023 Hiroshima G7 Summit Outreach Session. At PALM10 in July, Prime Minister Brown served as co-chair, and a Japan-Cook Islands Summit Meeting was held, where Prime Minister Kishida expressed his intention to cooperate in line with important issues for the Cook Islands, such as infrastructural resilience and climate change adaptation, while building on the achievements made so far.
Japan-Cook Islands Summit Meeting (July 17, Tokyo; Photo: Official Website of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet)
(C) Samoa
In February, Foreign Minister Kamikawa became the first Japanese foreign minister to visit Samoa, where she paid courtesy calls on Head of State Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II and met with Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. At PALM10 in July, a Japan-Samoa Summit Meeting was held, during which the two leaders discussed collaboration in the areas of climate change and disaster prevention, beginning with collaboration for the Pacific Climate Change Centre.
(D) Solomon Islands
In April, a general election was held following the expiration of Prime Minister Manasseh Damukana Sogavare's term, and Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele took office. In June, ISHIHARA Hirotaka, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, visited Solomon Islands as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan, and met with Prime Minister Manele and others. At PALM10 in July, a Japan–Solomon Islands Summit Meeting was held, and Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan would cooperate with Solomon Islands based on a relationship of trust.
(E) Tuvalu
In April, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Komura visited Tuvalu as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan, and paid a courtesy call on and held talks with Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo and others. At PALM10 in July, a Japan-Tuvalu Summit Meeting was held, and Prime Minister Kishida expressed his respect for Tuvalu's efforts to raise awareness of the climate change crisis and mobilize the international community. In December, a ceremony was held to commemorate the landing of Tuvalu's first subsea cable, a donor-funded project involving Japan, the U.S., Australia, and other like-minded partners.
(F) Tonga
In March, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a ‘Ulukalala visited Japan to attend the 2nd Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue, where he held informal discussions with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuge. In May, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuge visited Tonga as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan and met with the Crown Prince. At PALM10 in July, a Japan-Tonga Summit Meeting took place, during which Prime Minister Kishida welcomed progress on Tonga's recovery from the 2022 volcanic eruption and advancements in defense cooperation. In August, as Chair of the PIF, Tonga hosted the Forum Leaders Meeting in Nuku'alofa. Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Komura attended as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan, highlighting PALM10's achievements and reaffirming Japan's commitment to listen to and address the needs of Pacific Island countries.
(G) Nauru
In May, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister Ishihara visited Nauru as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan, where he paid a courtesy call on President David Adeang and held meetings. At PALM10 in July, a Japan-Nauru Summit Meeting was held, during which Prime Minister Kishida conveyed the decision to provide a patrol vessel to improve Nauru's capacity of controlling illegal fishing.
(H) Niue
In October, Niue marked the 50th anniversary of its constitution and achievement of self-governance. At PALM10 in July, a Japan-Niue Summit Meeting took place, where Prime Minister Kishida affirmed Japan's strong support for Niue as it addresses multiple challenges. Niue's first honorary consulate in Japan was opened in Tokyo in the same month.
(I) Vanuatu
In June, Member of the House of Councillors MATSUYAMA Masaji visited Vanuatu as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan, where he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas and held meetings. At PALM10 in July, a Japan-Vanuatu Summit Meeting took place, during which Prime Minister Kishida expressed Japan's intent to contribute promoting fishing industry as well as addressing priority issues in Vanuatu.
(J) Papua New Guinea
Between April and May, landslides occurred in the Province of Enga, and Prime Minister Kishida and Foreign Minister Kamikawa expressed their condolences. Through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan provided emergency relief supplies and decided to extend grant aid via UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration. In May, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister Ishihara visited Papua New Guinea as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan, where he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister James Marape and held meetings. At PALM10 in July, a Japan-Papua New Guinea Summit Meeting was held, at which Prime Minister Kishida expressed Japan's intention to strengthen bilateral relations ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025.
(K) Palau
In 2024, marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau, bilateral ties were further strengthened through a variety of exchanges. In 2024, Japan-Palau Summit Meetings were held on three occasions: in June when President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. visited Japan, in July when President Whipps came to Japan to attend PALM10, and in September during the UN General Assembly, for a total of five summit meetings with Prime Minister Kishida during the first four years of President Whipps' term. In January, Foreign Minister Kamikawa held her first Japan-Palau Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Minister of State Gustav Aitaro during his visit to Japan, where both ministers confirmed that they would cooperate for regional peace and stability on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau (See the Column on page 87.), and in February they also met again for another Japan-Palau Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Fiji. In May, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Komura visited Palau as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan, where he paid a courtesy call on President Whipps and held meetings. In October, TAKATA Toshihisa, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan and formerly Japan's Ambassador for Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, represented Japan at the 30th anniversary of Palau's independence ceremony. In November, presidential elections were held, and President Whipps was re-elected to a second term.
The Logo for the “30th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Palau”
2024 marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau. Since Palau gained independence from the United States in October 1994 and formal diplomatic relations with Japan were established in November of the same year, the two countries' “kizuna” (bonds) and “tokubetsu” (special) relationship have grown ever stronger.
The historical relationship between Japan and Palau dates back to before the two countries established diplomatic relations. After World War I, Japan administered Micronesia (the South Sea Islands), including Palau, under a mandate for about 30 years. In 1922, the South Seas Agency was established in Koror, marking the start of full-scale governance. At its peak, it is said that more than 25,000 Japanese people lived in Palau. Due to this historical relationship, about 25% of Palau's population is of Japanese descendants, including Palau's first President Nakamura. Thanks to the prominent performance of Japanese descendants in Palau, the people of Palau have a great affinity for Japan, and in terms of language, many Japanese terms, such as “tokubetsu” and “daijoubu” (all right / okay / fine) have been adopted into the local language. The deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries support the current good relationship.
Japan is also an essential donor country for Palau, and has cooperated for many years to promote Palau's economic development, mainly in the areas of the environment and climate change. The Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, which opened in 2002 and connects Koror Island and Babeldaob Island, is a symbol of the friendly relationship between the two countries.
Japan-Palau Summit Meeting (September 23, New York, U.S.; Photo: Official Website of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet)
The year 2024 marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau, and there were numerous opportunities for high-level visits between the two countries. Prime Minister Kishida and President Surangel S. Whipps held three summit meetings: during President Whipps visit to Japan in June, during the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in July, and during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in September, and at these meetings the two leaders had candid exchanges grounded in their personal relationship of trust. TAKATA Toshihisa, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan (former advisor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and formerly Japan's Ambassador for PALM), attended the opening ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of Palau's independence on October 1, paid a courtesy call on President Whipps, and delivered a congratulatory speech on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau.
People-to-people exchanges between the two countries are taking place at the grassroots level, and visits by local governments and student exchanges are also actively being conducted. It is expected that people-to-people exchanges between the two countries will further expand through measures such as the planned chartered flights operating from March 2025 that were announced at the Japan-Palau Summit Meeting in July.
The relationship between Japan and Palau has been strengthened by these historical and cultural ties, as well as people-to-people exchanges at various levels. 2024 was a year to reaffirm the “kizuna” and “tokubetsu” relationship between the two countries, with the aim of further developing the relationship in the future.
(L) Fiji
In February, the 5th Ministerial Interim Meeting of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) was held in Fiji, where Foreign Minister Kamikawa visited and served as co-chair. In April, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Komura visited Fiji as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan. At PALM10 in July, a Japan-Fiji Summit Meeting took place. Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the importance of cooperation with Fiji, a key player in the region, and discussed support for building disaster prevention systems, sports exchanges such as in rugby, and expressed his deep appreciation for Fiji's confidence in the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea.
(M) Marshall Islands
In January, following the results of the general election held at the end of 2023, President Hilda Heine was elected by the Nitijela (legislature) and inaugurated. Member of the House of Representatives TANAKA Kazunori visited the Marshall Islands as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan to attend the inauguration ceremony. In February, Foreign Minister Kamikawa had a Japan-Marshall Islands Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko in Fiji; in March, Prime Minister Kishida held a Japan-Marshall Islands Summit Meeting with President Heine during her visit to Japan. At PALM10 in July, a Japan-Marshall Islands Summit Meeting was held, where Prime Minister Kishida conveyed the decision to conduct the detailed design for the reconstruction of the passenger terminal of the Amata Kabua International Airport and expressed the hope that these efforts will contribute to the Marshall Islands' sustainable development.
(N) Federated States of Micronesia
In February, Foreign Minister Kamikawa held a Japan-Federated States of Micronesia Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Foreign Minister Lorin S. Robert in Fiji. In May, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Komura visited the Federated States of Micronesia as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan, where he paid a courtesy call on President Wesley W. Simina and held meetings. At PALM10 in July, a Japan-Federate States of Micronesia Summit Meeting was held, during which Prime Minister Kishida announced Japan's decision to assist in strengthening connectivity by constructing a new wharf at Pohnpei Port.